Straw system

ABSTRACT

An amusement device is disclosed that uses fluid flow through a straw to set in motion an impeller. The impeller may rotate an axle that may be attached to a novelty object outside the straw shaft. Rotation of the axle may cause the novelty object to move as the straw is used.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

None.

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to amusement devices, and more particularly, to a straw system.

BACKGROUND

Amusement devices serve as an outlet for entertainment from otherwise uninteresting activities. For example, drinking beverages may be in of itself a mundane activity. Previous attempts at livening up drinking have included using ice cubes with items sealed within the cube or drinking straws with a non-linear shaft. These devices, while amusing, can be static involving nominal interaction from the user. In addition, they're visual appeal can be limiting.

As can be seen, there is a need for an amusement device that allows the user to interact with the device while performing routine activities such as drinking

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a straw comprises a straw shaft and an impeller positioned inside the straw shaft. The impeller may be disposed to rotate with fluid flow through the straw shaft. The straw may also include an axle coupled to the impeller through an opening in the straw shaft and a free end of the axle, outside the straw shaft. the free end may be disposed to rotate with rotation of the impeller. the straw may also include a gasket coupled to the axle.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a straw insert for a straw comprises a housing, a shaft extending through the housing, the shaft adapted to couple to the straw, an impeller supported in the shaft disposed to rotate within a fluid flow, an axle coupled to the impeller, projecting out of the shaft and housing, and a gasket coupled between the axle and the housing.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a straw comprises straw comprises a hollow shaft body, an inwardly tapering surface on an interior wall of the shaft body, an impeller inside the shaft body positioned proximate the inwardly tapering surface, and an axle coupled to the impeller and projecting outside of the shaft body.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view illustrating an example of a straw system in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 2 is cross-sectional side view of an example of a straw insert system taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional front view of the straw insert system of FIG. 2 in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 4 is a perspective front view illustrating an example of a straw system with a novelty object in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective front view illustrating an example of a novelty object used with the straw system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 6 is a perspective front view illustrating an example of a straw system with another novelty object in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective front view illustrating an example of a novelty object used with the straw system of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 8 is a perspective front view illustrating an example of a straw system with another novelty object in accordance with an aspect of the subject technology.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective front view illustrating an example of a novelty object used with the straw system of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the subject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. Like or similar components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding.

In general, exemplary embodiments of the subject technology provide an amusement device, for example, a drinking straw, that may move a novelty object attached to the straw during use.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a straw system 100 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The straw system 100 includes a straw insert system 150 and a hollow straw shaft 30 coupled to the straw insert system 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the straw system 100 may include, in some exemplary embodiments, a unitary straw shaft 30 extending throughout the straw system 100 or may include separable straw portions, for example, a top shaft portion 30A and/or a bottom shaft portion 30B, press fit onto a shaft or conduit 34 attached to the straw insert system 150. In exemplary embodiments that include separable shaft portions, the shaft 34 may be of a different diameter than the top shaft portion 30A or the bottom shaft portion 30B. In exemplary embodiments using a unitary shaft 30 configuration, the shaft 34 may not be present and instead the shaft 30 may run through the insert system 150. Fluid flow may travel as designated by the arrows during typical use of the straw system 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the straw system insert 150 may be configured to fit onto pre-existing straw shafts 30.

The straw insert system 150 includes an impeller 22 supported within an interior of the straw shaft 30; 34. The impeller 22 may be, for example, a paddle wheel. A housing 28 may surround the shaft 30; 34 housing the impeller 22. The housing 28 may include a hub 39 on which the impeller 22 may sit. The housing 28 may include an arched interior wall proximate its lower extremity defining a passage 29 leading toward an interior wall 28 a of the interior of the housing 28.

The impeller 22 may include a step 38 on its front surface and a central bore 23 through its center axis. The impeller 22 may include teeth 25 whose distal edge may extend radially from the central bore 23. The distal edge of teeth 25 may extend outward from the central bore 23 so that the impeller 22 occupies most of the interior of the housing 28; for example approximately 95% of the housing volume interior. For example, the distance between the interior wall 28 a and one of the teeth 25 may be approximately 1/16^(th) of an inch. A gap between adjacent teeth 25 may be approximately 4/16^(th) of an inch. The teeth 25 may be positioned so that a trailing edge 19 is disposed substantially orthogonal to the interior wall 28 a to catch fluid flow coming from the passage 29. A leading edge 21 of the teeth 25 may be disposed swept back so as to rotate aerodynamically through the housing interior.

An axle 14 maybe coupled to the impeller 22 through the central bore 23. The axle 14 may include a boss end 16 press fit into a groove wall 17. The axle 14 may include a groove surface 12 disposed to catch the central bore 23. The axle 14 may also project axially from the impeller 22 through the shaft 30; 34 and through a threaded opening 36 of the housing 28 so that a free end 15 is outside the straw shaft 30; 34. A gasket 20 may be attached to and surround the axle 14. The gasket 20 may be positioned against the threaded opening 36, over the step 38, and held in place by a cap 18 screwed onto the threaded opening 36. The gasket 20 may provide a vacuum seal preventing fluid from escaping the housing 28 interior as fluid is drawn through the shaft 30. The step 38 may reduce friction between the impeller 22 and the gasket 20 as the axle 14 rotates. A rotor 10 may be attached to the free end 15. The rotor 10 may be, for example a gear. The rotor 10 may be configured to rotate as the axle 14 is rotated within the shaft 30; 34. The rotor 10 may be configured to receive an assortment of objects disclosed below.

In one aspect, fluid flow through the straw shaft 30; 34 may be guided toward the impeller 22 and flow rate enhanced. The straw shaft 30; 34 may include on an interior wall 27, an inwardly tapering surface 26, disposed to project inward into the shaft 30; 34 interior, deflecting fluid from the shaft interior wall 27 in toward the impeller 22. The surface 26 may define a tapering inner diameter of the shaft 30; 34 that may be smaller than the inner diameter of the remainder of the shaft 30.

In an exemplary use, as a user (not shown) draws fluid (not shown) up the lower shaft portion 30B, the fluid may encounter the surface 26, experiencing a venturi effect flowing faster through the shaft 34. The direction of the surface 26 may guide the fluid into the passage 29 toward the impeller 22. Fluid flowing through the passage 29 may impinge against the interior wall 28 a and the trailing edge of a tooth 25 that is adjacent the interior wall 28 a. As fluid encounters the trailing edge 19, the impeller 22 may rotate causing the axle 14 to rotate and likewise, the rotor 10 to also rotate outside the shaft 30; 34. The rate of rotation of the rotor 10 may thus, be controlled by the suction effected by the user. Additionally, it may be appreciated that the projection of teeth 25 in tight proximity to the interior wall 28 a captures a majority of the fluid entering the housing 28 without the fluid simply circumventing the impeller 22, yet the impeller 22 remains free to rotate around.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an exemplary embodiment of the straw system 100 is shown with an exemplary movable novelty object 44 a attached to the axle 14. As an example, the novelty object 44 a may be a set of propellers that may rotate orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (designated by dashed lines) of the shaft 30. A housing 42 may also be a novelty object consistent with the theme of the novelty object 44 a. The housing 42 may be fixed into place onto the shaft 30. In the example shown, the housing 42 may be an airplane surrounding the shaft 30. The cap 18 may be cleverly disguised as the airplane's engine hub and the propellers (novelty object 44 a) may rotate therefrom. As a user draws fluid up the shaft 30, the surface 26 directs fluid at the impeller 22 causing the axle 14 to rotate and spin the propellers creating the effect of an airplane operating in flight. While drinking, for example, the user may entertain themselves by controlling the speed of rotation of the propellers while simultaneously enjoying their drink.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a straw system 200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology. The straw system 200 is similar to the straw system 100 except that the novelty object 400 is configured to rotate radially around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 30. The novelty object 44 b may be for example, a beverage can surrounding the shaft 30. The rotor 10 may be cross coupled to a gear 46 attached to the novelty object 44. As the axle 14 rotates the rotor 10, the gear 46 may move about the circumference of the shaft 30 turning the novelty object 44 with it as illustrated by the rotational arrow (FIG. 6).

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a straw system 300 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject technology. The straw system 300 is similar to the straw system 100 except that it may include a pivot pin 60, a disc 58 and a guide plate 52 configured to rotate the novelty item 44 c within a predetermined range of motion. The range of motion may be, for example, an arc of less than 360 degrees orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 30. For example, the novelty object 44 c may be the grass skirt of a hula dancer 42 configured to shake his or her hips side to side as the straw system 300 is used. The range of motion may be about the pivot pin 60 positioned proximate the housing 28 and aligned with the axle 14.

The disc 58 may include a centralized bore 62 and a pin 56 projecting out from the disc 58. The disc 58 may be positioned over the cap 18 and onto the axle 14 (projecting through the bore 62), so that the pin 56 may rotate axially about the axle 14.

The guide plate 52 may be a base configured to receive and detain the novelty object 44 c. The guide plate 52 may include a bore 50 and a guide slot 54. The bore 50 may be positioned to receive the pivot pin 60 while the pin 56 is received within the guide slot 54.

In an exemplary use, as a user draws fluid up the shaft 30, the fluid may encounter the surface 26 rotating the impeller (not shown) causing the axle 14 to rotate. As the axle 14 rotates, the disc 58 turns so that the pin 56 rotates and moves within the guide slot 54. Movement of the pin 56 within the guide slot 54 may cause an oscillating pivoting action about the pivot pin 60. The rate of fluid drawn up the shaft 30 may thus, allow a user to make the novelty object 44 c, (in this example, the grass skirt) appear to either sway at low flow rates or shake vigorously at higher flow rates.

Those of skill in the art would appreciate that various components and blocks may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The previous description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “above,” “below” and the like as used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. Similarly, an item disposed above another item may be located above or below the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction; and an item disposed below another item may be located below or above the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A straw, comprising: a straw shaft; an impeller positioned inside the straw shaft, the impeller disposed to rotate with fluid flow through the straw shaft; an axle coupled to the impeller through an opening in the straw shaft; a free end of the axle, outside the straw shaft, disposed to rotate with rotation of the impeller; and a gasket coupled to the axle.
 2. The straw of claim 1, further comprising a gear coupled to the free end of the axle.
 3. The straw of claim 1 further comprising: a housing; a conduit coupled through housing; a separable top shaft portion; and a separable bottom shaft portion, wherein the top shaft portion and the bottom shaft portion are press fittable onto ends of the conduit.
 4. The straw of claim 1, further comprising an inwardly tapering surface on an interior of the straw shaft disposed to direct fluid flow to the impeller.
 5. The straw of claim 1, further comprising a novelty object coupled to the free end of the axle.
 6. The straw of claim 5, wherein the novelty object is configured to rotate orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the straw shaft.
 7. The straw of claim 5, wherein the novelty object is configured to rotate radially around a longitudinal axis of the straw shaft.
 8. The straw of claim 5 further comprising: a wheel disc including a first pin projecting outward from the wheel disc; a pivot pin projecting from the straw shaft or the housing; and a guide plate pivotally coupled to the pivot pin and onto the wheel disc, wherein the first pin is movable along a guide on the guide plate, and wherein the guide plate is configured to rotate the novelty object within a predetermined arc of less than 360 degrees with movement of the first pin.
 9. A straw insert for a straw, comprising: a housing; a shaft extending through the housing, the shaft adapted to couple to the straw; an impeller supported in the shaft disposed to rotate within a fluid flow; an axle coupled to the impeller, projecting out of the shaft and housing; and a gasket coupled between the axle and the housing.
 10. The straw insert of claim 9 further comprising a novelty object coupled to a free end of the axle outside the shaft and housing.
 11. The straw insert of claim 9 further comprising an inwardly tapering surface on an interior of the shaft disposed to direct fluid flow to the impeller.
 12. The straw insert of claim 9 wherein the impeller is a paddlewheel.
 13. A straw, comprising: a hollow shaft body; an inwardly tapering surface on an interior wall of the shaft body; an impeller inside the shaft body positioned proximate the inwardly tapering surface; and an axle coupled to the impeller and projecting outside of the shaft body.
 14. The straw of claim 13 further comprising a novelty object coupled to a free end of the axle, outside of the shaft body, wherein the novelty object is configured to rotate about the free end as the impeller is rotated.
 15. The straw of claim 14 further comprising a novelty housing surrounding the shaft body, wherein the novelty housing is affixed in place to the shaft body.
 16. The straw of claim 14 further comprising a gasket attached to the axle, the gasket disposed to prevent fluid from inside the shaft body from escaping around the axle.
 17. The straw of claim 15 wherein the impeller occupies most of an interior volume of the novelty housing.
 18. The straw of claim 17 wherein the impeller includes teeth positioned within 1/16^(th) of an inch from a housing interior wall.
 19. The straw of claim 15 wherein the impeller includes a tooth, the tooth including a trailing edge disposed to catch fluid flow entering the novelty housing.
 20. The straw of claim 19 wherein the trailing edge is disposed orthogonal to a housing interior wall. 